Opiria: Is it Really Safe to Trade Your Personal Data?
Every day, the personal data of millions of users who do not even suspect theft are used illegally. During last years, I started thinking about the protection of the data privacy. To stop gathering information by data brokers, I block using cookies and so on but I understand that they will still find the way to get the data, whether I want it or not. The new privacy laws make it harder for them to access quality personal data which leads to engaging much more sophisticated or veiled methods. So, the current system is uncontrolled and not transparent, the customer’s privacy is violated, thus the companies are hardly receiving enough quality data to meet their requirements for market research.
The good news is that there is a solution for all these problems! Many ideas that can be seen today in projects created with the help of blockchain technology are not new. However, the interpretation of these ideas can be drastically changed due to modern technologies. Opiria is one of those projects where the already proven ideas are implemented, but their interpretation is of interest and can be of great use to millions of users around the world. Opiria is a blockchain platform for monetizing the personal data.
Did you know that the data brokers earn $250 billion every year? And as you understand, the information owners get nothing. In addition, due to the leakage of personal data, hackers can crack user accounts and inflict them even more harm than from the simple sale of data. Brokers often provide unchecked or incorrect information, which causes the loss of $12 billion per year for companies. Opiria is ready to radically change the situation on the market. It is already a successful company, paying its current users with fiat currency and it is trusted by such worldwide-known companies as Audi, P&G, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, BMW, and others. The company offers not just an idea, but a finished product - an application for Android and iOS has already been developed, as well as a web portal.
The goal of the project developers is to create a platform where the consumers can trade their personal data directly to companies without the risk of being deceived. So, how does it work? You should download the application (only 20 MB) on your smartphone, complete the registration process and specify your data. Then you will be asked to pass a survey.
It is important that the platform guarantees both full protection of personal data due to the blockchain technology and ensuring timely payment. This function is realized thanks to smart contracts. Only the consumer owns the personal data and has a full control over it. Personal information never leaves the consumer in an unencrypted format as only the consumer has the key to decrypt it. Also, the data can only be transferred to a company with the consumer´s agreement and he knows exactly who gets his information and for what purpose. Consequently, the sale of personal data is fully transparent and traceable on the blockchain and as a result, the anonymity is completely protected. Users can choose what data to provide Opiria with including information from wearable devices, eye trackers, their location, and detailed information about their finances and health, but they completely control what they share or keep confidential. What will users receive in exchange for the information they provide? Payment to participants is made by PDATA tokens. You won’t make a fortune but it's a good way to earn extra money.
So, who will need it? Both the consumers and the companies. Why? No intermediaries, which means no extra expenses and a guarantee of direct communication between the company and the end user. Opria provides the companies with an access to real, reliable and high-quality data of interested consumers with real needs and thus an organizing of an advertising process becomes much more competently and efficiently.
Conclusion
Opiria's app presents an interesting idea, and the fact that it has already attracted so many well-known customers is very promising. Opiria solves the problem of theft and illegal sale of personal data. What is the main advantage of Opiria for the ordinary users? The project allows establishing a direct connection between users who are willing to provide their personal data and the companies that need this data. Each of the parties will benefit from the cooperation, because the companies will receive the data they are interested in, and the users will receive payment. Brokers in this chain are an extra link, so it’s possible to get rid of them. In addition, the data which the companies gain through Opiria is more consistent and honest than that gained through corporate surveillance.